SACRED SEXUALITY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the philosophy behind sacred sexuality?
Sacred sexuality is based on the philosophy of sensualism: the idea that enligthenment is reached not by retreating from the world, but by participating in it fully. Sensualists believe that the spiritual world is not separate from the physical world, but inherent within it -- that the Divine exists right here, right now. Sensualism suggests that we are here in the physical world to learn certain lessons, and that we learn those lessons through our experience of the physical world, which is also the world of the Divine.
Sensualism contrasts with the philosophy of asceticism, which postulates that the spiritual world is separate from the physical world, and that one must turn one's attention away from the physical in order to perceive the spiritual. Most of the world's major religions are primarily ascetic: Christianity, Judaism, Islamic, Buddhism. However, the philosophies of sensualism and asceticism can be seen as complementary: it is possible to incorporate both sensual and ascetic techniques into your spiritual path.
Sensualism also differs from hedonism -- hedonism is a materialistic philosophy which does not recognize the Divinity that is inherent in the material: hedonism is a philosophy of consumerism, in which the individual is encouraged to indulge in material pleasures simply for the sake of indulgence.
What are the main traditions or schools of sacred sexuality?
The two most widely-practiced traditions of sacred sexuality are:
The tradition which is based on Tantra, an Indian religion which incorporates ritual sex into its practices. Tantra was eventually incorporated into Buddhism to form Tantric Buddhism, but in most cases the ritual sex was eliminated, and only the symbolism of sexual union as a metaphor for union with the Divine was retained.
The tradition which is based on Taoist alchemy, a Chinese spiritual system which evolved after Tantra was brought to China (through Tibet). Taoist alchemy is a combination of Taoism and Tantric sexual practices, many of which have been modified and added to by Chinese practitioners throughout the centuries.
Neither Tantra nor Taoist alchemy are limited to sexual practice -- they are spiritual systems which include sexual techniques as part of a larger spiritual practice.
How is sacred sexuality practiced today?
Today there are many different schools of sacred sexuality. Some are based on Tantric teachings, others on Taoist teachings; some combine techniques from both traditions, and others are even more eclectic, drawn from a variety of other traditions and from their founders' personal experience. Sacred sexuality today is taught in a number of ways: as a tool for healing sexual trauma and awakening sensuality, as a way to deepen intimacy and strengthen relationships, as a path to enlightenment and self-transformation, and as a key to communion with the Divine. Sacred sexuality can be used to achieve each of these goals; understanding what you want from sacred sexuality will make it much easier to find sources which will teach you to apply sacred sexual techniques to your goal (or goals).
Do I have to give up my religion to practice sacred sex?
No. Although the sacred sexual techniques which have survived to the present day were developed within particular religious contexts (Tantra and Taoism), they can be used to open your consciousness to all forms of Divinity. How you incorporate sacred sexual technique into your own spiritual path is a personal choice, and you are free to practice in whatever manner you are most comfortable.
However, if you currently participate in a religion which is sex-negative (i.e. which teaches that sex is evil, sinful, immoral, wrong, or intended for reproductive purposes only), you may experience some difficulty integrating your experiences with sacred sexuality into your primary belief system. You may also have some mental conditioning around the subject of sex which will make your practice of sacred sexuality more difficult. Sacred sex will encourage you to re-evaluate what you have been taught about sex in the past, and will lead you to a new understanding of the relationship between sexuality and spirituality. Unless you firmly believe that sex and spirituality are mutually exclusive (and if you do, you probably aren't reading this FAQ), you should be able to incorporate sacred sex into your existing religious background.
Do I need to have a partner to practice sacred sexuality?
Sacred sexuality can be practiced either alone or with a partner -- ultimately, the techniques are designed to help you achieve a state of balance within yourself, as well as in your relationships with others and with the Divine. Many of the techniques can be performed just as effectively by a single individual, using self-stimulation as a means for generating and raising sexual energy. In fact, even if you do have a partner, it's a good idea to practice these techniques on your own as well:
Individual practice increases your own sensitivity to energy and your own ability to control its movement through your body.
Individual practice allows you to learn new techniques more quickly, without the distraction of a partner.
Individual practice allows you to maintain your own ideal state of health, sexual and otherwise, without relying on a partner.
Individual practice can make it easier for you to tune into your own inner experience, making it easier for you to work on achieving internal balance.
Do I have to be promiscuous or have multiple partners to practice sacred sexuality?
No. Although some ancient texts recommend promiscuity as a means of achieving detachment from one's sexual partners (as well as from the rest of the physical world), it is not necessary to do so in order to practice sacred sexuality -- these techniques can also be practiced effectively within the context of a committed, monogamous relationship.